eetjie

I am planning a family reunion next summer. We are a group of 4 families and 13 people in all. The children range from 8 to 22 years . Can you suggest an affordable destination or itinerary. I am thinking of either Greece, Portugal or Croatia. I am South African and haven't been to any of these countries and need suggestions as to where our weak currency will go furtherst.

brotherleelove2004

Details, man, details!

kja

Don't forget to consider airfare and -- if there are no direct flights -- the cost in time to get from where you all live to where you might end up. Good luck!

kja

Also, please check your other thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...t-together.cfm

Fodor's does not send a notification when someone adds a comment -- you have to check.

Heimdall

I'm guessing you must have family members who live in Europe, since you are planning a reunion there. If you mean the northern hemisphere summer rather than yours in South Africa, try to avoid popular coastal areas in July and August when prices are at a premium. When you travel off season villas and hotels in resort areas are much cheaper.

traveller1959

The first decision is whether staying in a hotel or renting a large villa or several self-catering apartments. For villas and apartments, this would be a good address: https://www.homeaway.com/

In both cases, July and August are peak season. In many countries, especially in Greece, the main tourist season ends on August 31, sharp. Then rates drop significantly and you will have more choices of accomodation.

Second question, where to go. From the three mentioned countries, my first choice would be Greece. Why?

Firstly, price. All three countries are low-priced, but Greece is probably the cheapest, not only in terms of accomodation, but also when it comes to food and drink, entrance fees, transportation etc.

Secondly, easyness of travelling. Practically everyone in the tourist business in Greece speaks English, all signage is bilingual in Greek and English. The Greeks are easy-going, relaxed, good-humoured people. I wish I could say that always about Croatians. Also, in Croatia, places like Dubrovnik are choked by mass tourism.

Thirdly, culture. Greece is the cradle of our civilization. Although Croatia and Portugal have their treasures, too, the remnants of antique and medieval cultures in Greece are overwhelming. Also, landscape is attractive and diverse and you find some very good beaches in Greece (while most beaches in Croatia are pebbly or rocky).

When you travel not in August, the region just south of Athens has excellent opportunities. Otherwise, my recommendation would the the Peloponnese peninsula.